Series Books - Page 3

Cerulean Sins (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: Book 11)

Laurell K. Hamilton

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 390 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Laurell K. Hamilton's legions of eager fans will be pleased to see Cerulean Sins), the eleventh novel in her Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series, which is set on an alternate Earth where magic works and vampires and werewolves are real. When a sinister stranger tries to hire the magically potent Anita Blake to raise the dead, she finds herself embroiled in the search for a vicious, supernatural serial killer, and also in the clandestine international politics of the vampires. And as she becomes more deeply enmeshed in cruel plots and counterplots, her tangled personal life only becomes more demanding, more wrenching, and more erotically fraught.

With ten previous books in the Anita Blake series, Cerulean Sins is not the place to start. Though author Hamilton artfully reveals the backstory in small doses, the numerous returning characters and the complex history will overwhelm most newcomers (and even the most devoted fans may find that the backfilling slows the pace). Also, the characters frequently stand around talking and psychoanalyzing one another, which makes for static stretches unlikely to hold a new reader's attention. Newcomers should start with the first book, Guilty Pleasures. --Cynthia Ward

Dragonheart: Anne McCaffrey's Dragonriders of Pern (Dragonriders of Pern, The)

Todd J. Mccaffrey

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Editorial Review:

Todd McCaffrey’s first solo novel in the classic Dragonriders of Pern series, Dragonsblood, was hailed by critics and embraced by the countless devoted readers of the landmark science fiction saga created by his mother, Anne McCaffrey. Now the chronicles of Pern take another captivating turn as the embattled planet, the brave pioneers who call it home, and the magnificent flame-breathing creatures who fly high to protect it confront a dire new challenge.
The grim specter of sickness looms over the Weyrs of Pern, felling fire-lizards and posing a potentially devastating threat to their dragon cousins, Pern’s sole defense against the deadly phenomenon that is Thread. Fiona, the youngest and only surviving daughter of Lord Bemin, is just coming of age, and about to assume the duties of a Weyrwoman, when word spreads that dragons have indeed begun succumbing to the new contagion. With the next season of Threadfall quickly approaching, and the already diminished ranks of the dragons once more under siege, every Weyr across Pern is in crisis mode. It is hardly the time for disturbing distractions–such as the strange voice Fiona suddenly hears in her mind at the darkest and most urgent moments.

Circumstances and the mood of the weyrfolk worsen when advance patrols relay the dreaded news that black dust–the unmistakable herald of falling Thread–has been sighted. As more dragons sicken and die, leaving only a new generation of weyrlings too young to succeed them, Weyrleader B’Nik and queen rider Lorana arrive from Benden Weyr to comb Fort Weyr’s archives in a desperate search for clues from the past that may hold the solution to the plague.

But could the actual past itself prove the pathway to salvation for Pern’s stricken dragons and the entire imperiled planet? Guided by a mysterious ally from a wholly unexpected place, and trusting in the unique dragon gift for transcending time, Fiona will join a risky expedition with far-reaching consequences for both Pern’s future and her personal destiny.

The Sword of Truth Box Set, Books 4-6: Temple of the Winds; Soul of the Fire; Faith of the Fallen

Terry Goodkind

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 17 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

This Mass Market Boxed Set, is the Second Boxed Set of The Sword of Truth series by Terry Goodkind:

The Box Set includes:
Temple of the Winds, 0-812-55148-6
Soul of the Fire, 0-812-55149-4
Faith of the Fallen, 0-812-57639-X

Book 4: Temple of the Winds
On the red moon will come the firestorm...

Wielding the Sword of Truth, Richard Rahl has battled death itself and come to the defense of the D'Haran people. But now the power-mad Emperor Jagang confronts Richard with a swift and inexorable foe: a mystical plague cutting a deadly swath across the land and slaying thousands of innocent victims.

To quench the inferno, he must seek remedy in the wind...

To fight it Richard and his beloved Kahlan Amnell will risk everything to uncover the source of the terrible plague-the magic sealed away for three millennia in the Temple of the Winds.

Lightning will find him on that path...

But when prophecy throws the shadow of betrayal across their mission and threatens to destroy them, Richard must accept the Truth and find a way to pay the price the winds demand...or he and his world will perish.


Book 5: Soul of the Fire
Sequel to the New York Times bestselling Temple of the Winds

Richard Rahl has traveled far from his roots as a simple woods guide. Emperor of the D'Haran Empire, war wizard, the Seeker of Truth--none of these roles mean as much to him as his newest: husband to his beloved Kahlan Amnell, Mother Confessor of the Midlands.

But their wedding day is the key that unlocks a spell sealed away long ago in a faraway country. Now a deadly power pours forth that threatens to turn the world into a lifeless waste.


dSeparated from the Sword of Truth and stripped of their magic, Richard and Kahlan must journey across the Midlands to discover a dark secret from the past and a trap that could tear them apart forever. For their fate has become inextricably entwined with that of the Midlands--and there's no place so dangerous as a world without magic...

Book 6: Faith of the Fallen
Sequel to the New York Times bestselling Soul of the Fire

Terry Goodkind author of the enormously popular Sword of Truth novels, has forged perhaps his best novel yet, pitting Richard Rahl and Kahlan Amnell against threats to the freedom of the world that will take them to opposite ends of the world to defeat the forces of chaos and anarchy.

Emperor Jagang is rising once again in the Old World and Richard must face him, on his own turf. Richard heads into the Old World with Cara, the Mord-Sith, while his beloved Kahlan remains behind. Unwilling to heed an ancient prophecy, Kahlan raises an army and goes into battle against forces threatening armed insurrection in the Midlands.

Separated and fighting for their lives, Richard and Kahlan will be tested to the utmost.

Stone of Tears (Sword of Truth, Book 2)

Terry Goodkind

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 336 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Excellent sequel surpasses the original 5 out of 5 stars.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful.

After finally finding a way to be together at the end of Wizard's First Rule, Richard and Kahlan are separated by sinister forces beyond their comprehension. Each must undergo a perilous journey: Richard through the Wilds and beyond the great barrier into the Old World, a vast land beyond the three introduced in the first book; and Kahlan northward to Aydindril, through the harsh winter climate of the Midlands with a Mud-People escort, to seek the help of First Wizard Zeddicus Z'ul Zorander.

While Richard's is the more essential for advancing the plot of the series as a whole, this is really Kahlan's story. We finally get to see the Mother Confessor in action, as she confronts vast armies against impossible odds, and scheming politicians at home. Her journey and fate are breathtaking and moving.

If you liked the first book in this excellent series, you will love the second.

Editorial Review:

An Epic of Awesome Power

Kahlan has at last gained the one goal she had always thought was beyond her grasp ... love. Against all odds, the ancient bonds of secret oaths, and the dark talents of men long dead, Richard has won her heart.

Amid sudden and disastrous events, Richard's life is called due to satisfy those treacherous oaths. To save his life, Kahlan must forsake Richard's love and cast him into the chains of slavery, knowing there could be no sin worse than such a betrayal.

Richard is determined to unlock the secrets bound in the magic of ancient oaths and to again be free. Kahlan, alone with the terrible truth of what she has done, must set about altering the course of a world thrown into war. But even that may be easier than ever winning back the heart of the only man she will ever love.

Bloody Bones (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: Book 5)

Laurell K. Hamilton

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 125 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Great start dwindling in a lackluster conclusion 2 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I really enjoyed the first few chapters of the book. I liked the character of Larry, the idea of him being Anita's apprentice. Where the book started to take a nosedive was when Serephina and her cohorts joined the picture. There were too many plot threads that she tried to tie in. If the book had continued in the same vein as it started, it would have been at least a 3 1/2 maybe a 4 star review. Instead, it fizzled out.

Editorial Review:

When Anita Blake's boss at Animators, Inc., informs her that she's expected to raise 300-year-old zombies from a field of jumbled bones just to settle a land dispute, she's understandably annoyed. But as soon as she arrives in Branson, Missouri, to do the deed, the job gets more interesting. A psychotic sword-wielding vampire starts committing multiple murders in the area, and Anita must call on Jean-Claude, her powerful fanged suitor, for help. As always, Anita prevails over the undead, keeping Jean-Claude at arm's length, clearing the cemetery land of an ancient enchantment, and nailing the vampiric killer in one fell swoop.

The Laughing Corpse (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: Book 2)

Laurell K. Hamilton

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 149 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

good book - twisted protagonist 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Good read: fast-paced, thrilling,full of magic.
The only problem is Anita's way of using magic. Ritually sacrificing animals is death magic, though she claims to be a Christian... She wants to give rights to the dead, but what about the living? Does making corpses walk, or explain testaments worth lives?
If you prefer white magic, there's Rachel Morgan or Harry Dresden...
But there's no vampire as beautiful and charismatic as Jean-Claude...

Pretty Bad 2 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I'm not really a fan of this genre, but people will buy these books and I read them when I dont have anything else to do. This book took me close to nine months to finish. Anita Blake is invincible. No matter what the situation you know Laurell Hamilton will never allow anyone to get the best of Anita Blake, and thats annoying. If two guys have guns pointed at you, if either was actually willing to shoot you, there would be no way to get out of it without getting shot. Not to mention how she's always talking about how vampires can "throw cars" yet she always seems to get disarmed in the fight, and still beat them. And every two pages, there is a paragraph explaining where her gun is and how she is carrying it, and it's pointless. Despite that she seems to have very little knowledge of firearms. Since when can you shoot a .22 in a .38? That is stupid on so many levels. And since when could a 9mm, or any handgun for that matter take off limbs? Jeane Claude is annoying the way he talks and how he's always dressed like a freak and nobody says anything about it. I gave the book two stars because Laurell Hamilton isn't the worst author, and this is far from the worst book I've read, but it's still pretty bad. I'm not into the genre, but her books are nowhere close to scary, or even dark. They remind me of tales from the crypt or something.

Editorial Review:

Harold Gaynor offers Anita Blake a million dollars to raise a 300-year-old zombie. Knowing it means a human sacrifice will be necessary, Anita turns him down. But when dead bodies start turning up, she realizes that someone else has raised Harold's zombie--and that the zombie is a killer. Anita pits her power against the zombie and the voodoo priestess who controls it. Notice to Hollywood: forget Buffy the Vampire Slayer; Anita Blake is the real thing.

The Hero of Ages: Book Three of Mistborn

Brandon Sanderson

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Editorial Review:

Who is the Hero of Ages?

To end the Final Empire and restore freedom, Vin killed the Lord Ruler. But as a result, the Deepness---the lethal form of the ubiquitous mists---is back, along with increasingly heavy ashfalls and ever more powerful earthquakes. Humanity appears to be doomed.

Having escaped death at the climax of The Well of Ascension only by becoming a Mistborn himself, Emperor Elend Venture hopes to find clues left behind by the Lord Ruler that will allow him to save the world. Vin is consumed with guilt at having been tricked into releasing the mystic force known as Ruin from the Well. Ruin wants to end the world, and its near omniscience and ability to warp reality make stopping it seem impossible. She can’t even discuss it with Elend lest Ruin learn their plans!

The conclusion of the Mistborn trilogy fulfills all the promise of the first two books. Revelations abound, connections rooted in early chapters of the series click into place, and surprises, as satisfying as they are stunning, blossom like fireworks to dazzle and delight. It all leads up to a finale unmatched for originality and audacity that will leave readers rubbing their eyes in wonder, as if awaking from an amazing dream.

The Killing Dance (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: Book 6)

Laurell K. Hamilton

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 162 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Great story in a great series 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

This one went a different way for me than the last few have, which I think was the author's intention. In the last few books, the best part has been the character development and the memorably written scenes -- usually of gore and horror. This one had both, but the part I liked best was actually the plot: I liked that the danger Anita faced this time came from humans, rather than from monsters, and that it almost got her, twice. It was a nice reminder that as deadly and horrifying and brutal as the vampires and everyone are made out to be, they're a sight less so than good ol' humankind, which is neither one, as the bumpersticker says. I also thought the final villain showdown was wonderfully well set up; I had no idea it was going to go the way it did, neither the person behind the contract on Anita's life nor the surprise that comes after it, though I suspected the vampire. After the scene with Damian, in which yet another newly introduced vamp takes advantage of humans and tries to add an element of cruelty and manipulation to his encounter with a person, I find myself always suspecting the vampires. They're so often guilty.

I was also glad to see the romantic plot come to some kind of . . . well, "climax" seems both appropriate and highly inappropriate, so we'll go with "resolution," instead. I'm also intrigued by the possibilities of the triumvirate, especially now that the romantic story has gone where it has. And may I just say: oh, my. My, my, my, that was quite a scene. Yes indeed, quite a scene. I was also gratified to see the explanation of the vampires' fear of necromancers, and the power that Anita has over them; that is an incredibly clever idea of Ms. Hamilton's. Finally, I can't wait to find out how the promise Anita gives to Edward will play out. Lot of possibilities there, though I was sorry to see Harley go. He seemed a promising chap.

These books are now standouts in my mind not only because they are more entertaining than most other books -- especially horror books, a traditionally dry genre in my opinion -- but interesting as well. I just keep getting happier and happier with them.

Editorial Review:

Anita Blake, vampire hunter, is now herself a hunted woman. Who put the $500,000 price on her head--a man or a monster? It's not just her own skin she needs to save; the rivalry between her werewolf boyfriend, Richard, and Marcus, the other alpha werewolf in his pack, has come to full boil. And there's always Jean-Claude, the vampire who's been waiting for just the right moment to slip inside Anita's head and heart. Don't assume anything, though--Hamilton's probably got a few more surprises in store.

Debt of Bones (Sword of Truth Prequel Novel)

Terry Goodkind

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 71 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Disappointing 2 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I love the Sword of Truth Series, having just finished Soul of The Fire, but this book is disappointing. I would have liked to know more about Kahlan's mother, who was the Mother Confessor in this book.

****POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT***

****POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT***


About the only characters in this book that fans of the SOT series will recognize are Zed, Panis Rawl, and Kahlan's mother, who had apparently not yet chosen her mate. Richard's mother was only a child. Since Richard is only a little older than Kahlan, neither had yet been born.

The only really new information is regarding Zed: his amazing intelligence (Oops, wait, we already knew that!)and how he came to be known as the wind of death (Oops, wait, we already knew that too!)

Other than the fact that Abby saved Richard's mother's life, she is a completely forgettable character.

I tend to believe the rumors that this work was originally unauthorized fan fiction, 'cause the writing style does not seem to be Goodkind's. Furthermore, it is doubtful that Abby would have been successful at pretending to be a Mord-Sith in a D'Haran army camp. The D'Harans would have immediately spotted an impostor because of their bond with the Lord Rawl, so this doesn't fit either.

To its credit, the book does have some excellent artwork, albeit in pencil or charcoal, including a great illustration of a Grace, described in detail in Soul Of The Fire.

The only really new info in this book is how that Zed came by his gray hair, which is not completely because of natural aging. Also, Zed is not as old as one might think.

More backstory of the characters and history of the Midlands would have been great. More backstory about the real "Lurk" would have been humorous. Darken Rawl is not mentioned, though we know from Wizard's First Rule that he was a young boy and was injured by the Wizard's fire sent by Zed in this book. More backstory here would have been good as well.

In short, the book is just an OK read, but nothing great. Save your money and borrow this book from a library rather than buying it. If you are such a fan of the SOT series that you want this book for your collection, as do I, buy it used and save a few bucks.

Editorial Review:

A milestone of storytelling set in the world of The Sword of Truth, Debt of Bones is the story of young Abby's struggle to win the aid of the wizard Zedd Zorander, the most important man alive.

Abby is trapped, not only between both sides of the war, but in a mortal conflict between two powerful men. For Zedd, who commands power most men can only imagine, granting Abby's request would mean forsaking his sacred duty. With the storm of the final battle about to break, both Abby and Zedd are caught in a desperate fight to save the life of a child...but neither can escape the shadow of an ancient betrayal.

With time running out, their only choice may be a debt of bones. The world-for Zedd, for Abby, for everyone-will never again be the same.

Discover why millions of readers the world over have elevated Terry Goodkind to the ranks of legend.

The Great Book of Amber: The Complete Amber Chronicles, 1-10 (Chronicles of Amber)

Roger Zelazny

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 210 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Roger Zelazny's books have three things in common: a flawed hero who sometimes fails, endlessly surprising plot twists, and a blend of lyricism, literary allusions, and sly puns that makes the pages fly. The Great Book of Amber, collecting all 10 Amber novels, is vintage Zelazny. Despite some irritating typographical errors, it's invaluable for anyone who wants to read or reread the tales of Corwin and his son, Merlin.

Corwin is a prince of Amber, the "immortal city from which every other city has taken its shape." All other worlds, including Earth, are shadows of that reality. Corwin has spent centuries on Earth as an amnesiac. But when someone in the family tries to kill him there, Corwin begins a search for his past. He quickly learns that his family has some very unusual powers. They can travel between Amber, its shadows, and Chaos by manipulating reality; use magical playing cards to communicate and travel instantaneously; and are able to walk the Pattern that created Amber. Corwin regains his memory, solves the mystery of his father Oberon's disappearance, and fulfills his destiny--only to disappear into Chaos.

Merlin searches for Corwin and his destiny as a son of both Amber and the Courts of Chaos. His story parallels Corwin's, answering many questions about Amber, Chaos, and the next generation in the family.

Many readers have complained that the series goes on too long and the ending is disappointing. None, however, would deny that it's filled with fascinating ideas, complex characters, and action-adventure. Don't miss a chance to make up your own mind. --Nona Vero